IRELAND TOUR SUGGESTIONS?

[John Gray]

Hi guys - I am intending to visit Ireland this summer and would appreciate any advice about tour routes. I have a week, maybe an extra day or two. I am travelling from Lancashire; my options seem to be ferry to Dublin, or fly to either Dublin or Cork from Manchester. So probably Dublin as a start point, but could be Cork. It would be really nice if I could visit Glenfarne in Leitrim, my grandparents had a farm there. I would be most comfortable on 60-70 miles a day, but could manage more at a push. I don't like main roads! Or at least main roads with traffic. When touring here I normally stay in hostels or B&Bs. Any advice is most welcome!

[mill4six]

My wife and I loved Killarney, the gap of Dunloe and the Dingle peninsula but we had the benefit of visiting very early in the season so it didn't feel to commercial (very popular touristy area) Guesthouses are generally lovely.

[toekneep]

My wife and I went two years ago (again) also from Lancashire. We had two weeks but only averaged 45 miles a day so you might be able to do what we did:
Ferry from Liverpool to Belfast. Rode west across N. Ireland to Westport on the coast of Ireland. then North east up to Greencastle and a ferry over to across Loch Foyle. We then followed the coast of N. Ireland back to Belfast. It was a wonderful tour with great scenery and hospitality. May be pushing it a bit distance wise though.

[John Gray]

Thanks for the ideas. I had not realised that the Liverpool-Dublin ferry did not take bikes. Apparently they don't even take foot passengers! So my latest thought was to fly From Manchester to Cork and return on the Belfast to Liverpool ferry. I must admit my preference had so far been to visit the SW rather than the NE, but nothing settled yet!

[Norman H]

If you're flying into Cork I would definitely explore the peninsulars in the South West. Start at the Mizzen and just follow the coast ------- Mizzen Head ------ Sheep's Head ------ Beara Peninsular. From there you could take in the Ring of Kerry or head up through the Gap of Dunloe and out onto the Dingle Peninsular. If you want more details for hostel accommodation etc, send me a pm

[Mpolo]

I am going to do the Donegal part of the Wild Atlantic Way a coastal route following the west coast

[Nigel Laverick]

I've done 2 tours in Ireland. For one tour I flew to Shannon and rode through the Burren to Galway city and then along the coast. I cut a few corners because of the weather and finshed through Derry , Cushenden and Cushendal to get the ferry from Belfast to Heysham. I think it took me about 2 weeks. I wouldn't go through Dublin as the ride across to the west coast is dull whereas the west coast is really spectacular. be prepared for rain ( I found the irish breakfasts were a help). Campsites were ok and wild camping is easy in the south but harder in the North.

NL

[IanCh]

I've done about five Irish cycle tours. The two hour ferry from Holyhead to Dunlaoire was great - good train access. Agree that the central belt from Dublin is flat and uninteresting. I was disappointed with the Ring of Kerry - only good in parts and full of tourist coaches. The main problem for me has been the weather - i did a five day tour of Northern Ireland from Belfast and it poured all day, every day. Sorry to sound negative. Possibly my most enjoyable trip was just three days - Dublin, Wicklow, Carlow, Blessington, Dublin. Agree that you get a warm welcome and good breakfasts though.

[Norman H]

I should have mentioned the tourist coaches on the Ring of Kerry. Best done out of season or better still cut through the middle on minor roads. The Maggillicuddy's Reeks (what a name) are worth seeing.

[John Gray]

Thanks everybody. My plans are taking shape now. Norman - thanks but I don't think I have enough time to be heading South, I need to get going North to leave me time to linger in Glenfarne. I will head generally North, loop through the western peninsulas when I can, head inland somewhere after Westport. Maybe to Sligo and then East from there. I am looking at roughly 11-20 May. Is it advisable/necessary to book accommodation in advance? There are some days when I know exactly where I want to be, but mostly I would like to keep my options open to vary the route if needs be.

[Norman H]

I don't think you'll have a problem at that time of year. School summer holidays in Eire are a fair bit earlier than in UK but not before June I think. Most of the larger towns have Tourist Information Offices and will book ahead for you. It would be wise to book the first night or two though.

[John Gray]

Thanks Norman. I have booked a B&B in Glengarriff for the first night. I was looking at the Cork - Gourane Barra - Beara cycle route. Do you know anything about Cork Airport? Specifically the exits - Google Maps shows a link which seems to go through a closed gate!

[Norman H]

What direction are you heading when you leave the Airport?

Cork Airport is to the SW of the city and some distance out. As far as I'm aware there is only the one entrance/exit. Turn right towards Ballinhassig for the south and west and turn left towards the ring road to head back into the city. I would avoid the city centre if possible and the ring road is mostly three lane dual carriageway. Definitely no fun on a bike!

Unless you are desperate to follow the official route all the way it might be a good idea to pick up the N71 for a bit through Inishannon and Bandon before turning North to pick up your route. You're in for quite a tough day I think. I've never approached Gougane Barra from Cork so I'm not familiar with that part of route.

[John Gray]

Thanks again Norman! I was tempted by the Gougane Barra - Beara Cycle Route as it seemed to be a designated signposted route from Cork and through to Glengarriff. But it does mean heading into Cork first, at least to join the route at the start. No, I certainly don't fancy a three lane dual carriageway! I can see the vehicle exit from the airport on Google Maps, but if I select the cycling option it switches to a path which goes through a gate at the back of the airport, from where a right turn goes north into west Cork for the start point at the Mardyke. Or I could take the vehicle exit right towards Ballinhassig and then take a right to join the same road. I guess I won't fathom the mystery of that path till I get to the airport!

I am not desperate to follow any particular route - it is all new to me! So thanks again for your suggestions. It is great to hear from someone who knows the area and its roads. As long as I get to Glengarriff, I don't have to make my mind up on a route for quite a while yet, so I will give it some thought. But - tough day? In what way?

[Norman H]

John,

I've sent you a pm